Monday, March 25, 2019

C-StREAM Applications Deadline Extended

C-StREAM (Chesapeake Student Recruitment, Early Advisement, and Mentoring) is a new CRC-coordinated program that is intended to increase the workforce for environmental restoration by finding, inspiring, and mentoring talented college students – focusing primarily from previously under-represented groups – toward careers in environmental protection and restoration. The program strives to engage the student through extended involvement in interesting projects with multiple mentors — from both their home institution and one or more CRC members or other C-StREAM partnering institutions — in a program of longer-term advisement and assistance.

Application to a C-StREAM summer internship is open to undergraduates at any level of study, including post-baccalaureate.  Preference is given to


  • students from cultures and backgrounds that are typically under-represented in environmental science, engineering, and management (relative to watershed populations);(These include, for example, native Americans, African-Americans, students of Hispanic descent, and all first-generation college students.)
  • returning applicants who have done well in prior years and can show cause for continuing support;
  • sophomores who have aspirations for long-term mentorship toward an environmental career and have identified a “home institution” faculty member willing to sponsor their application and follow up with advisement; and
  • juniors, seniors, or more advanced students from under-represented groups who have clear plans or aspirations that include involvement of committed mentors following their internship  experience. 


Listed below are five summer 2019 internship positions that are available through the US EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office (CBPO) and through NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Office (NCBO) through the CRC C-StREAM Fellowship program. (http://chesapeake.org/c-stream).
The application period has been extended to April 9, 2019. Please go to the above link to learn more about the program and to apply for any of these positions.
If you wish to apply for more than one of these internships, please RANK your choices in the blanks below and email the form to CRC-CStREAM@chesapeake.org at the same time that you complete your on-line application – that is, before the due date of April 9, 2019.

A.   EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office in Annapolis, MD (3 positions)

Since 1983, the Chesapeake Bay Program has led and directed the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. Bay Program (CBP) partners include federal and state agencies, local governments, non-profit organizations and academic institutions. Additional information about the Chesapeake Bay Program is available at www.chesapeakebay.net.

A1)     Land Conversion GIS Analysis                                                                         

The Chesapeake Bay Program's GIS team is undertaking a variety of projects related to analyzing land cover and land use change and quantifying the potential impacts of land conversion to water quality, healthy watersheds and communities. Types of land conversion of interest include urbanization, silviculture, and oil and gas extraction to name a few. Impacts of interest include loss of wildlife habitat, degradation of aquatic communities, erosion and sedimentation, alteration of stream flow, and adverse effects on under-served communities. The CRC’s C-StREAM Fellow will work with a team of diverse professionals in geography and environmental science to develop a study plan, use geospatial data and resources, and explore relationships between land use change and impacts on natural resources and communities.
The work will be relevant to some or many of the following disciplines (e.g., for purposes of follow-up study or independent research at the student’s home institution): geography, planning, public policy, political science, environmental science, environmental engineering. 
CBP Point of Contact: Renee Thompson, USGS (email: rthompso@chesapeakebay.net)

A2)     Tidal Water Quality Data Analysis                                                               

The Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) is analyzing spatial and temporal trends in tidal water quality to help inform managers and planners in their restoration efforts and policies. CBP has over 30 years of data in the tidal waters including water quality monitoring and assessments of water quality standards for living resources. The CRC’s C-StREAM Fellow would work with a group of research scientists to assess spatial and temporal trends in water quality over time in the Bay using statistical techniques, GIS and mapping. Smaller projects within this subject area may be undertaken including assessing trends in water quality in a small, local tributary, and analyzing adequate habitat for living aquatic resources based on water quality. Results of the work could include publications, journal articles and decision-making tools.
The work will be relevant to some or many of the following disciplines (e.g., in for purposes of follow-up study or independent research at the student’s home institution): ecology, environmental science, environmental engineering, hydrology, marine science, public policy, resource management.
CBP Point of Contact: Emily Trentacoste, EPA (email: trentacoste.emily@epa.gov)

A3)     Decision Support Tool Inventory                                                            

The Chesapeake Bay Program and its partners are constantly developing and using decision-support tools that allow stakeholders to utilize technical information to guide management and policy decisions and restoration and conservation efforts. Countless tools exist, each with their own specific audiences and uses. Stakeholders often cannot easily determine which tools should be used to answer their questions, and many times do not even know the full breadth of tools available to their disposal. The C-StREAM program student would work with a team at CBP, including the GIS team, to inventory decision-support tools available both within the partnership and outside. The project would entail testing these different tools, compiling information on their use, and building a database and easy look-up product for the CBP’s partners to help them navigate the universe of decision-support tools. We envision the intern presenting these products to multiple groups of CBP stakeholders.
The work will be relevant to some or many of the following disciplines (e.g., in for purposes of follow-up study or independent research at the student’s home institution): GIS, environmental science, environmental policy, public policy
CBP Point of Contact: Emily Trentacoste, EPA (email: trentacoste.emily@epa.gov)

B.    NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office in Annapolis, MD, and Oxford, MD (2 positions)

B1)     Oyster Restoration Strategies Intern                                                             

The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office (NCBO), NOAA Cooperative Oxford Lab and Chesapeake Research Consortium (CRC) seek a summer intern for late May through mid-August 2019 (12 weeks) to assist with the testing of alternative oyster restoration strategies using novel chemical marking methods and the development of an economic analysis of the restoration strategies.  The intern will work with NOAA staff in both the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office (Annapolis, MD) and the Cooperative Oxford Lab (Oxford, MD).
The work will be relevant to some or many of the following disciplines (e.g., in for purposes of follow-up study or independent research at the student’s home institution): marine science, aquatic biology ecology, environmental science, environmental engineering, public policy, and environmental economics. 
NOAA Point of Contact: Bart Merrick, NOAA Cooperative Oxford Laboratory:

B2)     Chesapeake Bay Restoration and Protection Policy Intern                             

The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office (NCBO) and Chesapeake Research Consortium (CRC) seek a summer intern for late May through mid-August 2019 (12 weeks) to assist with living resource policy issues associated with implementing the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Specifically the intern will help support the Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team, which is chaired by the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, to achieve oyster, blue crab, forage and fish habitat outcomes. This will involve synthesizing science and technical information to develop policy recommendations, coordinating across science and policy entities, and communicating progress to the Chesapeake Bay Program.
The work will be relevant to some or many of the following disciplines (e.g., in for purposes of follow-up study or independent research at the student’s home institution): marine science, aquatic biology ecology, environmental science, environmental engineering, public policy, social science. 
NOAA Point of Contact:  Bart Merrick, NOAA Cooperative Oxford Laboratory
(email: bart.merrick@noaa.gov)

OMI 2020 Maui Internship


Summer Class in Landscape Architecture

This summer course can count as an equivalent to ENST 281 (EcoTech Concentration Depth - Design or any other ENST concentration's elective).


Restore's Internship Night

A reminder that RESTORE's annual Internship Night is this Tuesday, March 26th from 6:30-7:30PM in room ANSC0412!

At Internship Night, RESTORE (previous ENST Society now open to ALL majors!) will help you learn where to find and how to apply to environmental internships. Come for a brief talk about where to find internships, presentations from current students about internship experiences they've had, AND free pizza.

Take advantage of this casual, informal way to learn about resources you need to get an internship. No need to dress up or bring any materials - come by and enjoy some useful information, free snacks and pizza!

Coordinator Position- AGNR Animal and Avian Sciences

Location: College Park, MD

Description: Provides administrative support to academic programs unit, communicates with all constituents on graduate programs throughout the graduate application process, and manages multiple undergraduate student services and interfaces with appropriate campus offices.

Qualifications:


  • Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience in a field related to agriculture. Animal science background strongly preferred. 
  • At least three years of experience providing administrative support, and at least one year of experience in a higher education setting.

Preferences:
  • Ability to interact effectively and comfortably with internal and external stakeholders in a courteous and efficient manner. 
  • General knowledge of and skill in the practical application of generally accepted office practices and procedures. 
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Some experience with public speaking, and enjoyment of presenting in front of large groups. 
  • Ability to proofread and edit written documents. 
  • Skill in various computer software packages, such as word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation programs, email and scheduling software. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. 
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and execute multiple and continuing assignments with general instructions.
  •  Ability to handle the unique needs with respect to students’ concerns both diplomatically and professionally.


To Apply: See posting.

MANRRS General Body Meeting


Thursday, March 28th 
 5:30 - 6:30 PM 
Symons Hall 0118



"MANRRS is a national society that welcomes membership of people of all racial and ethnic group participation in agricultural and related science careers. MANRRS members are encouraged to be full participants in other professional societies for their basic disciplinary and career interests. However, MANRRS attempts to provide networks to support the professional development of minorities. It is a springboard for their entry into and advancement in careers where they otherwise could be lost in the sheer number and established connections of mainstream participants. For student members, MANRRS provides role models and networking opportunities. MANRRS also offers students opportunities to enhance leadership and organizational and public speaking skills, and to experience professional critique of scholarly worked in a “user-friendly” environment."

Call for Volunteers - Residence Hall Waste Audits

Call for Volunteers - Residence Hall Waste Audits

Facilities Management, Residential Facilities, and Dining Services are collaborating to conduct a series of waste audits of campus residence halls. At a University of our size, there is an enormous amount of waste generated. In order to better understand this waste, it is critical that we have reliable data to properly plan for, manage, and ultimately minimize all types of waste. We are holding a series of waste audits throughout the Spring semester to gather data for the evaluation and improvement of our waste program. Audits will be held on select Fridays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. outside of Maryland stadium. The sign up link can be found below.

To support these audits, we are looking for student volunteers. Volunteers will be provided with the knowledge and the necessary materials to correctly identify, sort, and weigh waste items. Volunteers will also be given a swag bag for sustainable living.

We have created online forms to facilitate the volunteer sign-up process.

Waste Audits of Residence Halls: https://go.umd.edu/residentialsignup


Any additional questions can be directed to:
Austin Byrd
Student Waste Audit Coordinator
(443) 324 0635

LAST DAY TO DROP WITH "W"

Dropping with a “W” – Spring 2019

FRIDAY, APRIL 12 is the LAST DAY TO DROP one class or 4 credits with a “W.”
This means you could drop HEBR 112 (6 credits, but one class) or ENGL 212 and KNES 155N (4 credits, but two classes).

WHAT IF I NEED TO DROP MORE THAN 4 CREDITS?
If extenuating circumstances are causing difficulty with your academics, please contact me because there is help available on campus, and academic procedures to be followed, should you need assistance handling the academic consequences of a personal situation.  It is better to “strategize” now, while you have options, than to wait and do nothing, hoping the situation will “right” itself.

WHAT IF I AM RECEIVING FINANCIAL AID? 
Check with your Financial Aid counselor in the Lee Building NOW if dropping a course would put you below 12 credits.  Most aid programs allow this provided you began the semester with 12 or more credits, but there may be a few that do not – and it can be expen$ive to make an incorrect assumption.

HOW DO I KNOW I “SHOULD” DROP A COURSE?
·         Is the coursework in the class so heavy, and/or the likelihood of passing it so slim, that it is taking away from other courses?  If the answer is “yes,” then it may be a good idea to drop the course. It is usually better to drop a course and earn A’s and B’s in 4 classes than one B, 3 C’s and an F in 5 classes.
·         Be honest with yourself.  Refer to your course syllabus to get a realistic idea regarding what percentage of your grade is already determined and how much improvement is mathematically possible.  Remember that what is “mathematically” possible may not be “realistically” possible.
·         Speak to your instructor to get his/her opinion.

Last, if you are worried about “getting behind” in your credits, remember that you could take a Winter Term or summer school class at a local community college to catch up.

ARE “W’S” BAD? 
No, a few W’s over the course of an academic career are not “bad.”  There will be no indication on your transcript whether you were failing or passing at the time of the drop, and W’s are not calculated into your GPA.

If, on the other hand, you withdraw from a course EVERY SEMESTER, you could lead an employer or graduate admissions committee to think you weren’t very good at setting reasonable goals for yourself… and this is not a good thing.  Expectations are fairly lenient for first- and second-year students; and much less so for upper-level students.

IF I DROP BELOW 12 CREDITS, THAT MAKES ME PART-TIME.  IS THAT BAD?
No – at this point in the semester, it won’t affect your residence hall status or your tuition.  If you had dropped to part-time during the first 5 days of the semester, it would have changed your tuition bill and your eligibility for housing.  At this point, it doesn’t change anything.

WHAT IF I REALLY DON’T WANT TO DROP THE COURSE?
If you want to hang in there with your course, develop a long-term (final 6-8 weeks) study plan and stick to it.  Use all available help sources and strategies (see below).  If you end up making the “wrong” decision and fail the course, the Repeat Policy allows:

--  First year students to repeat at any time a course taken during the first 24 credits.
--  Transfer student to repeat at any time a course taken during their first semester at UM.
--  In these two situations, only the higher grade will “count” in the GPA, however, both grades will remain on the transcript. 

>>> After these "grace" periods, any failed course AND its subsequent repeat will "count" in the cumulative GPA.

HELP SOURCES:
·         Your instructorhttps://www.umd.edu/directories
·         Study skills and tutorial support programs: http://ensp.umd.edu/advising/study-skills-tutoring
·         UMD Learning Assistance Services:  http://www.counseling.umd.edu/las/

USUALLY, the MOST IMPORTANT STRATEGY = INCREASE YOUR STUDY TIME:
--  Aim to study at least 2 hours per credit hour carried, e.g., 30 hours a week (or about 4 hours a day) for a 15-credit load. 
--  “Study” in this context means: reading, note-taking, library research, tutorial help, group study, writing, self-quizzing, etc.

New Internship Opening- Dr. Mirsky Lab


Thursday, March 21, 2019

Marketing and Communication Specialist-BCI




PSI Environmental Technician -Internship position

Students interested in applying for these internships should email their cover letter and resume before April 1st to Jenny Kim at 


Professional Service Industries, Inc. (PSI) is a nationally recognized consulting engineering and testing firm providing integrated services in several disciplines, including environmentaconsulting, geotechnical engineering,construction materials testing and engineering, asbestos management, and facilities engineering and consulting. We are aleader among the nations independent testing organizations and rank among the countrys largest consulting engineeringfirms.

Our Environmental department provides a range of services including:
  • Phase I & II – Environmental Site Assessments
  • Industrial Hygiene Services
  • Soil and Groundwater Contaminant Investigations
  • Soil-Gas Investigations and Vapor Intrusion Assessments
  • Mitigation Programs
  • Underground Storage Tank Compliance Inspection and Management
  • Regulatory Compliance Assistance
  • Storm Water Pollution Prevention (SWPP)
  • NEPA Studies.

Internship Opportunity
Our Lanham and Baltimore office has immediate openings for motivated and hardworking individuals to participate in environmental projects.  PSI will provide the requisite training to accomplish what is required. 

Starting date: We are currently accepting applications and will review them starting no later than April 1st, 2019. The position is open until filled.

Schedule: Flexible

What they would learn:
This project will provide valuable work experience to the undergraduate and graduate students
and we will also consider selected individuals who may be interested, for a paid internship position at PSI during the summer. 


Short term benefits: Offered in the midst of their time at Intertek-PSI

Pay rate: Hourly/ $15 an hour

Positions available: 1-2 depending on candidate selection.

Need to drive/ Valid Driver’s license: Yes

Soil and Plant Science Division Pathways Internship Position




Technical Liason- NABat

The NABat Coordinating Office located at the USGS Fort Collins Science Center is currently seeking an extremely motivated, recent graduate student (must have graduated with a master’s or doctoral degree in relevant field within the past 12 months or plan to graduate in spring of 2019) to serve as the NABat Technical Monitoring Liaison. The position will be located at the Fort Collins Science Center in Fort Collins, CO. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine and apply writing and communication skills to data management expertise, while supporting NABat Partners and contributing directly to this collaborative conservation monitoring program of international importance. Please see attached announcement for more details. Contact Brian Reichert (breichert@usgs.gov) if you have any questions.



RESTORE’s Internship Information Night!


Area Extension Director-AGNR-UME


COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Area Extension Director
Position Number: 108969
AGNR-UME-Southern Maryland Cluster (Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties)
Home Office Location: Negotiable choice between the Cluster Counties (Charles, Calvert, or St. Mary’s)

The Area Extension Director will serve as the administrative leader and director of three county offices located within the Southern Maryland Cluster providing day-to-day supervision and administration within each of the county offices. The Area Extension Director serves as the liaison between the University of Maryland Extension administration and county governments, provides logistical coordination for local programming, manages fiscal, personnel and facilities operations at the local level and provides leadership for public relations/marketing efforts. In carrying out these duties, the individual reports to the Assistant Director of Operations. This position has no program supervision responsibilities.

Responsibilities:
  • Fiscal Management: With assistance from the Administrative Services office and Assistant Director of Operations office, prepare annual budget request for submission to the county (with a goal of increasing county funding) and submit copies of approved county appropriations.
  • Monitor monthly financial statement in relation to approved budget. Share budget information with faculty and staff on a monthly basis.
  • Maintain Extension Advisory Committee (EAC) financial records at local office, providing financial information as required to the EAC and facilitate account reviews every other fiscal year.
  • Monitor all office expenditures, including, postage, office supplies and travel. Manage "for sale” publications and cost recovery programs for county offices.
  • Identify grant proposal opportunities and external funding partnerships/collaborations that increase financial support.
  • Provide leadership for county faculty and staff to write, submit, and manage grant funds.
  • Manage sensitive equipment inventory.
  • Personnel Management: Coordinate, plan and request county staffing needs and managing employee contracts through the Assistant Director of Operations (ADO) office.
  • Schedule and lead monthly faculty/staff meetings; assure an equitable and appropriate working environment; assure that policies of the University and county are understood and followed.
  • Review faculty Extension Plans (yearly work plans) for community needs and program alignment with regard to identified state program initiatives.
  • Collaborate with Program Leaders and Assistant Director of Operations to conduct annual faculty review, providing input with regard to professional conduct.
  • Review and approve time and attendance for faculty and staff.
  • Facilitate annual Performance
  • Review and Development process for support staff.
  • Attend various training meetings; coordinate training of new employees for all aspects
  • regarding organization function.
  • Extension Program Leaders in consultation with the Area Extension

Director will provide leadership for managing program responsibilities.
• County Government Relations: Facilitate working relationship between government offices and
county offices. Strengthen relationships with county government agencies and county elected
officials and the University of Maryland Extension. Understand the University of Maryland
Extension Volunteer Policy and recruit volunteers to support programs. Provide training to county agencies/organizations on leadership and community development as requested. Coordinate space and facility requirements with county officials and landlords.


Area Extension Director
• Program Coordination/Public Relations: Coordinate an Extension Advisory Committee which is
reflective of county demographics. Schedule and facilitate quarterly Extension Advisory Committee, working with the chairperson and in accordance with their bylaws. Work with faculty, the Extension Advisory Committee members, and other community leaders to develop an education plan based on local needs. Facilitate the maintenance of Civil Rights files and assist program staff with Compliance issues. Work with the Extension Advisory Committee, Faculty and Staff to develop and implement a county marketing plan which may include an annual University of Maryland Extension report to share with county support groups and constituents that reflects the goals and impact of the local office’s educational programs. Serve on local, regional, college and non-University community committees; provide leadership for committees, professional associations and special assignments.

Required –
• M.S. degree in public administration, business administration, agribusiness, natural resources
management, organizational leadership or related fields
• Five years of experience in management, agribusiness, non-profit, government, program
development, education or related fields.
• Experience in personnel management, budget preparation/accounting are essential.
• Knowledge of government fiscal procedures and processes; organizational policies and procedures; program development.
• Skills in fiscal management, personnel supervision, coaching, and mentoring.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, communicate clearly, and interact with a variety of audiences.
• The ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and some weekends. Must be able to travel within the state, have personal transportation and a valid driver’s license.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon
successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Preferred –
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage an organization engaged in delivering services to the
public.
• Experience in working with volunteers, boards, councils or elected officials.
• Experience in working with grants.


Salary will be commensurate with experience, with base salary of $64,973. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.

Application Process:
All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu. A complete application packet includes:
  • A cover letter
  • resume (or CV uploaded as resume)
  • copies of transcripts
  • contact information for three (3) professional references (including name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address)


Closing Date: For best consideration apply by April 3, 2019, or until suitable applicant is found.